What you need to know before jumping on the natural skincare bandwagon

The word "natural" is often seen in the same light as "safe", but when it comes to skincare, this may not always be true. Here's what you need to know

Using natural beauty products is all fun and games until some homemade concoction turns your skin red, or God forbid, makes you break out. While ingredients like aloe vera are naturally calming, something more potent, like lemon, could irritate your skin if you don’t take the necessary precautions while using it. While “chemical”, packaged formulations have their own set of concerns, they are usually pH balanced, tested for safety or come with disclaimers for potent ingredients, reducing the possibilities of any harm. We got in touch with Dr Jamuna Pai, cosmetic physician, author and founder of SkinLab, for a complete PSA on using natural beauty products.

We are all concerned about our health and well-being, which makes it’s important to be proactive in our choice of products. Today, more and more people are learning about the potential problems associated with preservatives and other suspected chemicals in cosmetics. That’s why the market for organic and natural beauty products is booming right now, further resulting in their growing popularity. Besides that, most natural beauty products are gentle on the skin.

What is the difference between natural-based beauty products and the others? Are natural products better than those with chemicals?

The definition of ‘natural products’ is ones off the kitchen shelf, as well as the organic products available over-the-counter. The natural products being used could be as simple as lemon juice for skin brightening, sugar granules for a good body rub or strawberry pulp as a face mask. Organic products use certified skincare ingredients and avoid toxic synthetic chemicals. These organic skincare products can reduce irritation [of the skin when compared to those with certain chemicals] and improve your skin condition too. Being gentle on skin, they are best suited for sensitive skin types. While they may not work as quickly as regular products, they will keep your skin healthy and radiant without any harsh chemicals. The naturally-occurring products [like homemade concoctions] are safer, but they will definitely be slow-acting and not be as effective as medically-prescribed topical creams and lotions. Medical products work faster and better, but should only be used as advised as the doctor, and always under strict medical supervision.”

What are the most important dos and don’ts to follow when using natural-based beauty products?

Naturally-occurring ingredients are safe, but the moment they get packaged as a product, they tend to contain preservatives and active ingredients, or a chemical vehicle to carry the product into the deeper layer of the skin where the desired action is required. Though products from your kitchen shelf can be harmless, some people can develop allergic reactions to some of the ingredients. Always look out for signs of redness, irritation, burning or stinging. In such cases, wash it off from your face immediately.

Which are the best local, natural ingredients to use for good skin, and what are their benefits?

Some of the ingredients which are good for skin are honey [to soothe], turmeric (curcumin) and milk powder (lactic acid) [for even complexion], sugar granules [to smoothen], sour and ripe fruits [to brighten] and binding agents such as gram flour. As I always say, one product which is good for a person may not be as good for another. It is best to have a customised approach to skincare, and choose products which work best for your skin type. It could be a DIY from your kitchen shelf, an organic OTC product or a prescription-backed topical cream.